a little weekly wind-up

Still insanely busy here, and running constantly.  Today’s adventure included the dentist – a 28 year old filling gave way, and can I just say, ow!!!

I got a couple of new photography books to play with yesterday, along with a gray card.   Which will mean nothing to some of you, but has made my day!  And the class won’t even be covering them for another two weeks, but I love it already! It makes a tremendous difference in photos. Yay! More photography fun for me. 

No new photos to post, because everything I’ve been taking lately is my kids.  I just played with one from the beach the other day and processed it to give it a more vintage, summery look.

Which brings me to a question – does anyone know how to disable the copy and save on photographs on blogger?  I figured that if I turn that off, no one can copy the kids’ photos on me, and I can post them again.  I’d appreciate it if someone has an answer on this. 

Have a great weekend! 

Best,

Stephanie

UPDATE:  I'm answering Julie’s comment here in case anyone else has the same question.  A gray card has a few uses, but I am using it to set a custom white balance.  To over-simplify it, all this means is, your camera is looking for a certain shade of gray to determine how to correctly expose and balance your photo.  The gray card gives you the right shade so the camera can figure out how to process the photo the right way.  Not as big of a deal in landscapes, but I did notice even my tricky dining room wall which is green but often photographs gray came out just right.  And the difference with skin tone is great.  In just a few seconds you get a much better color in your photos. 

The tenth photo …

Jeanne at Collage of Life tagged me to post my tenth photo from this blog.  This isn’t my exact tenth, because for some reason, blogger has deleted some of them. But it is the 10th one I could see.   Close enough, right?  It’s fuzzy – apparently, the quality is not the same when you copy and paste it, but I can’t find the original. 

This was from a summer trip to Newport Rhode Island a couple of years ago.   You can see the ocean just past the terrace … there is a sweeping lawn, and then blue skies and clear horizons.  Really gorgeous there, and if you haven’t been, I really recommend a trip, especially between the months of April and October, when the mansions are open.   Definitely worth a trip!

I’m not going to tag anyone specifically, but I’d love to see what anyone of you posted as your tenth photo. 

Best,

Stephanie

the amazing incredible Karen Russell …

With the photo tips idea in the last post,  I think a little “full disclosure” is appropriate here.  I am taking a photography class taught by Karen Russell.  I think she is amazingly talented, so I went to her website and saw that I would be number 1300-something on the list!  Yikes.  Then she offered auditing, and I thought it would be a good solution.  I read a lot about photography before the class, and taken thousands of photos this year, so I hoped it would be enough.  Also, I didn’t want to wait.  But for the most part I was right, though there are questions I would love to ask her that I could if I were a full student. 

So far, about 4 weeks in, I would say I knew most of what she has taught us.  With some notable exceptions that have made me say: wow, huh, really?, a-ha, and yahoo!  (Who knew exposure compensation could change your life?)  She explains things so well, that had I learned them from her instead of trying to learn them on my own, the whole process would have gone a whole lot easier.  And I am sure there are plenty more a-ha moments ahead.  

The class is well suited to anyone from beginner on up.  I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending the class to someone who wants to improve their photos, particularly of people.   She is fantastic, amazing and super sweet.  And the class is reasonably priced, less than others I looked at before hers.   So maybe this can be photo tip Number 2?  Get a little Karen Russell in your life. 

All that being said, I cannot in good conscience offer as a “tip” or advice anything that I didn’t know before the class.  And I won’t or I couldn’t sleep at night.  I think that it would be very unfair and disrespectful to Karen and the many years of hard work that she put into making the class what it is.  And let’s face it – most of what I have to share is way less than what Karen does, and she does it better too.  (Trust me on that – just check out the class she offers.)

And even all of that being said, I would still really love to take her class in person, and really really want to take her photo class in Greece with Cocoa Daisy…

…could you blame me?

Best,

Stephanie

 

every picture tells a story …

It seems like at least a few of you really want to know more about photography,  just like me.  And since I strongly believe we should help each other as much as possible, I’ll be posting a few photo tips here and there, with apologies to everyone who already knew this.  This is NOT a technical post, just something easy that anyone can do.

Ever since I’ve had a camera – dating back to the very first little point and shoot that my dad bought me, I love to get really close to my subject.  Or even just a part of it.  Only to find out it is a well known photographic principle - “filling the frame”.  All it means is that you fill the frame of your viewfinder or LCD screen with whatever it is you want to take a photo of.   That’s it.  It works with any type of camera at all. 

Let me show you an example from some photos I took in February.  Below is a camellia bush.  It’s OK but nothing special. 

When you focus in on individual flowers, this is what we get.

 

Yes, I did use a “good” camera and lens.  But in this case, it’s simplifying the photo by getting in there that really makes the difference.  Want proof?  This one below was taken with a 7 megapixel point and shoot a few years ago. I think it is still pretty.

I really love this technique when photographing people.  Just fill up most of that lens with their face.  It is amazing what a difference it makes.   I’ll even use it to capture an architectural detail that interests me. 

You can’t always do it, and you won’t want to anyway.  (Because who wants to photograph a pebble if you’re at the Grand Canyon?)  But it is a good way to add variety and a little more “oomph” to your photographic arsenal.   And anything that makes us look at the world in a slightly different way is probably a good thing anyway. 

So “snap” (sorry, couldn’t resist!) to it, and let’s see what you can do!

Have a great week!

Best,

Stephanie

it’s a little late for earth day …

But everyday should be Earth Day, right?  I thought I’d share what I use for my recyclable bags … they’re from Envirosax, and though they have different patterns that I like better now, these things last forever, so I’m not replacing them.  Below is the set I have.

They come 5 bags to a pouch just a few inches wide …

And open up to a bag about 19 inches high that weighs less than 1.5 ounces, and holds a LOT.  And I mean a lot – 44 pounds each!  (Some of the ones in different fabrics hold less, but I don’t buy lettuce 40 pounds at a time anyway.)

These are almost always enough for me to do my weekly shopping for our family of four.  And they pack small enough to fit in a glove box. Not too bad, right?  I’ve had them for a few years, and they are still as good as new.   And because there is no store logo, I don’t feel bad taking them into any store I go to.   You can buy individual bags too to suit your individual style. 

Proving you can go green while being perfectly chic too. 

Have a great week!

Best,

Stephanie

 

happy weekend!

 

A little more of my little love here … I processed this one to make it look a little “vintage-y”.    It doesn’t have a thing to do with this post.  I just like it!

We’re still crazy busy here, but this happens every year when you have small kids and you hit the last few months of the school year.   I just looked back and realized I only posted three times all of last April, so I am way  ahead of last year!  

I have to say, I’m really happy that you all keep coming back, and that I’ve gotten some fabulous new followers.  You girls rock!  And I love your blogs!  (Can someone please come up with a better name than “blog”?)  I always find a ton of beautiful things and inspiration there.   So thank you on both counts! 

One last question before I sign off for today.  Other than my photographers extraordinaire, like Traci Thorson and Julie at Being Ruby, etc., who need no assistance at all, would you be interested in me doing an occasional photo-tips post?  A few people have asked, and I don’t mind, but I’ll leave it in your hands.

I hope you have a happy, wonderful, amazing weekend.

Best,

Stephanie

that’s my girl …

It was the first softball game of the season.  She is so serious about softball.  She loves it and has fun, but she is all about getting it done.   I lightened the pictures slightly, but it went from 68 degrees and sunny to 50 and rainy as soon as they started the game.  But they were troopers.   Especially number 7…And then she knocked it right outta there! 

I’m still not sure if she was more surprised or the catcher…

Sorry I’ve been a bit MIA here.  I have been following all of your pages, but just a little too swamped to post.  I have two new (very needy) clients, and on top of that, softball, baseball, Katie’s first violin recital, my sister’s  birthday, an orientation program at school, a friend’s birthday celebration,  etc., etc… April is exhausting!  But it is a good tired, so I can’t complain too much.

Best,

Stephanie

a day at the beach …

In case you didn’t guess from the last post, (the one sign said
“beaches”, but it was hard to read), this is where we went yesterday.  We took this road …   …saw this in the sky… (I shot this one out the car window.)

And ended up here.    

The sky was crazy.  It went from gray to so sunny my photos were completely overexposed, to cloudy and back to sunny.  I don’t think the sky came out the same in any two photos, and I took about 40 of them.  But, oh, when it was just right …

I love toes in the sand …

That’s my daughter, her friend, and my son walking down to the water.

It was a little windy, and definitely too cold to go in the water, but they played and ran and had fun.  And then they raced us back to the car.

I can’t wait to go back again.  Hope your week is wonderful!

Best,

Stephanie

P.S.  Just 16 posts to number 200!  And FYI – the Nook is already on the blink!  It creaks like crazy when you turn the page, and the buttons on the left side now have to be pressed at least twice before they work – that started just about 50 page turns in.  I’ll keep you posted on what Barnes & Nobles says.

it’s a matter of opinion …

But since you asked, of the three readers, the Kindle is my favorite.  I think it is the easiest to use, not that any of them are hard.  But no one really needs to show you how to use a Kindle.  All the buttons and functions are pretty clear.  It is a little lighter than the Nook too.  Finally, the prices on Amazon tend to be less than the other two.   Hope that helps a bit. 

I was feeling sort of sorry for myself that the Sony was on the blink, so I am glad to have the Nook.   They do have a great selection, but you can’t use your Barnes & Noble discount if you’re a member.   And I already used it, so no giveaway, (sorry!) but my 200th post is coming up soon, and I have an idea in mind for that.

And the photo has nothing to do with the e-books, but does make me smile.  Love that blue sky.  And I’ll give you a little hint of where we went today, until I post a few photos tomorrow …

Best,

Stephanie

I promise I’m not cheating …

… on my Kindle.  We’re still very much in love.  I was at a fundraiser this week for Katie’s school, and I won a Barnes & Noble Nook in a raffle.  Which is sort of funny, since I already have a Sony Reader and a Kindle.   I almost gave it away to a friend, because who really needs three e-books?  But she wasn’t sure she wanted it and the Sony is  sort of on it’s last legs… and the final reason I kept is that there are some things that the Amazon doesn’t have that Barnes and Noble does and vice-versa.   So I’ve got a new toy. 

It’s been crazy busy here – the kids’ baseball games have started, Bunco night with the girls (I won $40 there too!), dinner out with some friends, and some general running around.   One more night out tonight, and I can put my feet up on Sunday night.  

Hope you all have a wonderful, lucky, happy weekend!

Best,

Stephanie

 

a little housekeeping …

Just a few things here.  I’ve had some questions in comments and emails the past few weeks, and I thought I’d address a few of them now since I had a bit of time …

A few people asked what camera I use.  I use a Canon DSLR – specifically the Rebel Xsi.   I love this camera.  I have thought about upgrading, but I prefer to spend my money at this point on better lenses.   And if anyone cares why, by all means, let me know and I’ll explain.   The Xsi is about $300 less now than when I bought it, which is bad for me, good for anyone who is interested. 

I also use a little Sony Cybershot point and shoot. 12 megapixels on a tiny camera small enough to fit in a really small bag or pocket.   This is pretty much my go-to in situations where lugging the big camera won’t work.  Also, it’s lime green.  What’s not to love?

The photos that I sometimes mention that I took with an old point and shoot were taken with an older Sony. 

All that being said, and since I was asked, I strongly believe that while a great camera and lens can improve the quality of your photos, it’s only half the story.   For me, I find photography, especially of my kids and trips we’ve taken, to be one of the most rewarding things I do.  Look for beautiful moments and things around you and I promise you’ll find them.  When you do, you’ll love your photos.  

But I’ve asked other people what cameras they use too.   I’ve asked Slim Paley, because she had mentioned she used a Leica in one post.  Turns out it is the D-lux 3, which is as expensive as some DSLR’s, but isn’t one.  She has a great eye, and Leica has great lenses, so the combination makes for some amazing photos. 

Last question – other than adding in a watermark, these photos are straight out of the camera.  I sometimes shoot RAW, which requires adjusting your photos, but since I have been taking a ton lately, I’m using regular JPEG all the time right now.  I will usually mention if I’ve done any processing on a photo. 

And you know how some people hate to look at other people’s vacation photos?   Yeah, that is totally not me.  Show me 100 photos of your kid’s chubby toes and I promise I will enjoy them all.   

Thank you all for your comments on my photos – they make me smile.  You really are the kindest, nicest readers.   Every time I go to your blogs I find something beautiful and inspiring. 

And because it just isn’t a post without pictures, I’m including some of those too.  (I realize I need some new subjects, but I can’t pass up these beauties when they’re right out my front door.) 

Best,

Stephanie

 

a little love …

A little love was left for me by my friend’s daughter – a friend of Katie’s.  Isn’t that sweet?    (OK, so I may have suggested that they cover the sidewalk with love notes to me.  I didn’t think they’d listen!) 

Hope something brightens your day today.

Best,

Stephanie

just a quick hello …

It was another whirlwind weekend here … I think they get busier every week from now to June.  And then, ahhh, those hazy, lazy days of summer …

We kicked off the weekend with a quick family dinner out at the local diner.  Saturday was the Little League parade and kick-off carnival.  They had rides, popcorn, cotton candy, a BBQ, and some games for the kids.  James ran the barbeque and parade for the Fire Department.   (They host it for the Little League.  He organizes it every year  - what a honey!)   And this year for the first time, they had a dunk booth.  Two of our gym teachers and one of the little league coaches who is a good friend of ours manned up and went in the dunk tank to raise money to send a child with cancer to summer camp.  I’m really happy to report that somewhere in the US will be a very happy camper!

Then we had my son’s first Junior baseball game. (He just graduated from Little League.)    My baby is still doing softball, so a few more years of LL.   After Jamie’s game James and I had  dinner out with two of my favorite people.  It was one of those Italian restaurants where they let you sit and chat for hours, even on a Saturday night. 

After a lazy Sunday morning, there’s one more baseball game, a school project, and then it really steps up for the next two weeks … I am going to be out six nights in a row this week  -  I need to soak my feet just thinking about it … Every year I can’t wait for spring and then when it comes we are so busy it’s crazy! 

So a little peak at what’s sprouting out around here, and I apologize in advance if this week’s posting is a little sparse!

Best,

Stephanie

the sweetest thing …

I just came across the sweetest letter, on Letters of Note, that Ronald Reagan wrote to his wife on their 20th Anniversary, when he was Governor of California.  Doesn’t matter what your politics are, it will leave you smiling, I’m sure …

“My Darling Wife
This note is to warn you of a diabolical plot entered into by some of our so called friends - (ha!) calendar makers and even our own children. These and others would have you believe we've been married 20 years.
20 minutes maybe - but never 20 years. In the first place it is a known fact that a human cannot sustain the high level of happiness I feel for more than a few minutes - and my happiness keeps increasing.
I will confess to one puzzlement but I'm sure it is just some trick perpetrated by our friends - (Ha again!) I can't remember ever being without you and I know I was born more than 20 mins ago.
Oh well - that isn't important. The important thing is I don't want to be without for the next 20 years, or 40, or however many there are. I've gotten very used to being happy and I love you very much indeed.
Your Husband of 20 something or other.”

One word … Awww ….

Best,

Stephanie

I owe it all to Pat …

I went a whole new way with today’s post than what I intended. I was visiting Pat at Back Porch Musings today, and she had a post about the old fashioned drug store soda fountains.  I’m too young to have lived through those, but just a short walk from home in the next town over, there is a 1920’s ice cream parlor/luncheonette.  It’s called Hildebrandt’s and just last week, they were in Newsday as one of the top 10 best french fries on Long Island. 

I found all of these photos on line, and the quality isn’t great, but you get to see what it’s like.  The picture above is what it looked like back in the day, and what it looks like today.  They still have the green truck too, but it only comes out for special occasions.  Below are the counter and the rest of the tables.  It is tiny but terrific, and the people who work there are all so nice.  It is a great place to take the kids.   Who am I kidding? My husband loves their egg creams!   All of their ice cream and most of their candy are still homemade.   In the last photo, you’ll see a large silver cup – you get that whole thing and a glass to pour it into.  It is really almost 2 full glasses that you get. 

If you’re ever in my neighborhood, definitely stop by.  It is worth the calories!   (And now I want an ice cream soda!)

Best,

Stephanie

look who’s up!

I am such a warm weather girl.  Which is probably why I will never see those Northern Lights in person.  (though I really want to! If only they weren’t in cold places!) 

But today was a good day.  We found the daffodils were out in the yard.   A book I wanted to read was free today on my Kindle.   We blew bubbles.

     

Then we took a drive to Funky Monkey.   It’s a super cute toy store.  Then off to Grace's Marketplace to get some things for dinner.  They make the best fresh mozzarella there.  I sliced it up with a nice beefsteak tomato with dinner.

Then we took a drive to the water to stick our toes in.  (All of a sudden, my kids got sooo big!  It really hit me today.) 

Then we had dinner, and the kids went outside with their friends.  In a little while they’ll have to come in.  But it was a great way to end their spring vacation.  Tomorrow it’s back to school.  (Yay!  Don’t tell them how excited I am!)

Best,

Stephanie

northern lights

I found this video on line today – it is only a minute long, but beautiful.  Can you even imagine looking up and seeing this in the sky? 

We had a wonderful Easter, filled with family, love and too much food.  We always start Easter with a midnight mass on Saturday night.  Candlelight and song usher in the Resurrection.  It really is a beautiful service, and never fails to move me.   I hope you all had a wonderful, happy weekend.

Best,

Stephanie

No copyright infringement is intended by the posting of this video.  If the owner of the video wants it removed, please contact me and it will be taken down immediately. 

it’s here!

It’s here, it’s here!  Spring is here!  We’re still drying out from the rain, but the hydrangeas are starting to leaf, the daffodils are pushing up through the ground, and, most importantly, the sun is shining! 

Thanks to everyone about your sweet comments about the kids.   They’ve grown quite a bit since then – a bit too fast for me!  (I’m trying to overcome my phobia of posting their photos.) 

Happy Easter to everyone that is celebrating - have a wonderful weekend and holiday!  

Best,

Stephanie

a short trip

About two hours from our house, is Mystic Seaport, Connecticut.  It is a great place to experience the seafaring life that was such a part of life on the East Coast in the early years of our country. The photo quality isn’t great.  They’re a few years old, and were taken with an old point and shoot I had, and then when my hard drive crashed, I had to save them from an on-line copy.   But I think you still get a good feel for the place.You can see many restored homes and businesses as you walk through town. 

There is even a small planetarium, and a museum with artifacts related to sailing, and a collection of figureheads.

There are programs and exhibits year round, but my favorite thing to do is walk along the waterfront in the summertime, and go on the old schooners and ships.  Then take a walk down dusty streets with a fresh sqeezed lemonade, sit by the gazebo and watch the ships go by … with my three favorite sailors … Best,

Stephanie